Irresistible Iveco

Iveco presented some novelties at the IAA in Hanover in September. The new Stralis Hi-Way made its début, and the new Trakker, with an extensively redesigned cab, was officially introduced during the show. CLAIRE RENCKEN reports.

The Iveco stand at the IAA offered visitors a complete panorama of the company’s range, from lightweight to heavyweight vehicles, including minibuses, buses and construction vehicles. Also exhibited were its Euro-6 engines and its advanced High Efficiency Selective Catalytic Reduction (HI-eSCR) system.

The stand, covering over 2 000 m², reflected the colours and materials used in the creation of the Fiat Industrial Village in Turin, the first multifunctional centre in the world of Fiat Industrial. Furthermore, the exhibition area demonstrated how Iveco places the customer at the heart of its company strategy, always striving to maximise productivity, quality and comfort, using new technologies designed to simplify the use of the vehicles and reduce the total cost of ownership.

The focus at the Iveco stand was on the new Stralis Hi-Way, which presents an extremely competitive choice for heavy-goods transport. Power, comfort, ergonomics and safety are just some of the strengths of the new Stralis. This vehicle offers customers a number of important advantages and includes a reduction in total cost of ownership of up to four percent for ordinary missions. At the IAA, the new Stralis was exhibited in the Euro-5 and -6 versions.

Another important feature of the Stralis is the proprietary HI-eSCR catalytic reduction system, designed, patented and produced by FPT Industrial (part of the Fiat Industrial Group). HI-eSCR makes the new Stralis the only heavy vehicle on the market to meet Euro-6 emission limits without the use of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The system reduces nitrogen oxide levels by over
95 percent. The after-treatment technology of FPT Industrial for Euro-6 vehicles meets the strict limits for nitrogen oxide emissions without increasing fuel consumption.

In addition, the Stralis Hi-Way comes with a thoroughly redesigned cabin. The improved ergonomics and comfort are the product of close co-operation between dealers and customers. The external restyling of the cab has focused on improving vehicle aerodynamics, and thus fuel efficiency, and features a new central grille, redesigned “air deflectors” and a new bumper dam design.

The vehicle incorporates new integrated telematics services, improved customer service instruments and the most advanced road safety features, such as electronic braking system (EBS) with brake assistant function, lane departure warning system, electronic stability programme (ESP), adaptive cruise control, daytime running lights, the new driver attention support function and an advanced emergency braking system.

To improve driver performance, the new Stralis adds to the already broad range of functions with the unique “driving style evaluation” instrument that allows drivers to improve their driving behaviour in real time. If connected to the IVECONNECT FLEET system, this programme allows the fleet manager to remotely assess the performance of each individual driver.

Another important new product in the Stralis range was shown in Hanover – the liquid natural gas (LNG) Natural Power version that is suitable for medium distance distribution and night deliveries and is now marketed all over Europe.

The new Stralis is produced in the Iveco plant in Madrid, Spain, in accordance with the highest standards in manufacturing quality.

To complete the renewal of the heavy-duty range, the new Trakker, the construction vehicle in the off-road range, made its world première at the IAA. With its highly innovative cab, the new Trakker is able to operate on inaccessible, rough terrain, relying on its Euro-5 Cursor 8 and 13 engines, which ensure power and long life for a vehicle that must work 365 days a year without hitches. The new Trakker increases productivity considerably, further reducing the total cost of ownership and minimising running costs.

The Astra brand was also in the spotlight in Hanover with the new version of the HD9. This vehicle represents an essential reference point in quarry/building-site transport for big construction companies looking for a reliable partner – both in terms of vehicle strength and versatility, and customer support.

Medium and light commercials on show
Significant Iveco stand space was dedicated to the rest of the range, with medium commercial vehicles represented by the Eurocargo and light commercials by the new Daily.

Eurocargo continues to be the undisputed benchmark for this market segment in Europe, with a leading position in the six- to 18-tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) segment.

Three new Daily vehicles were exhibited, one of which was electric – a vehicle that can guarantee high levels of reliability and which adapts perfectly to ordinary urban missions, such as door-to-door distribution and urban passenger transport. For passenger transport, Iveco offers the new Daily Minibus, a vehicle that combines the traditionally recognised qualities of the Daily with the attributes of a leader in the passenger transport sector. The vehicle is ideal for customers who operate in the passenger transport sector, both in town and for rapid transfer outside the urban network.

Completing the picture was the Magelys Pro, which has established itself as a leader in the highly specialised Gran Turismo luxury motorcoach segment. High performance, excellent fuel consumption, low environmental impact, superb reliability over time, and above all, outstanding comfort for driver and passengers alike, are among the features that enabled this vehicle to win over the most demanding customers.

Dedicated areas of the stand
At the centre of the Iveco stand, in the area dedicated to engine technology, visitors could see the Euro-6 engines developed and manufactured by FPT Industrial, the backbone of Fiat Industrial. With the Tier-IV engines for Case New Holland (also part of the Fiat Industrial Group) and the HI-eSCR, FPT Industrial has developed and produced innovative solutions for all companies within Fiat Industrial, the third biggest company in the capital goods sector.

Confirming Iveco’s ongoing commitment to research into new technological solutions and possible future scenarios, there was an area dedicated to innovation, where the concept “Iveco Dual Energy” vehicle, a lightweight chassis and diesel-electric hybrid, was exhibited.

The stand included an area dedicated to after-sales services, with the presence of Iveco Customer Service and Iveco Finance to assure customers of full technical and financial support, from the purchase of the vehicle to services for its full working life.

Iveco continued the exhibition of its products in an external area, where vehicles with special equipment were displayed. These included a Eurocargo equipped with a fire escape ladder by Iveco Magirus, one of the most important global companies in fire-fighting and rescue equipment, and the world leader in fire escape ladder production.

Stralis Hi-Way voted Truck of the Year 2013
The new Stralis won the International Truck of the Year award for 2013, as presented annually by the top 25 commercial vehicle magazines in Europe. The award is given to the truck that, according to the jury, “has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency from several different perspectives, including fuel economy, safety, driveability, comfort and a low-environmental ‘footprint’”.

The announcement was made at the gala evening of the 64th edition of the Hanover International Motor Show. “We are proud of this award,” said Iveco CEO Alfredo Altavilla. “The new Stralis sets a benchmark in efficiency, quality and value for the customer. The vehicle is a true showcase of our revamped company strategy of being close to our customers and delivering excellent products.”